THE HURON-IROQUOIS DISTRICT. 549 



CNINCLOSEl) VILLAGES AND CAMPS. 



Many places vrliicli were inhabited show uo signs of inclosures, aiitl 

 yet may liave had simple defenses of wood. They are known by indi- 

 cations of occupation, as the blackened earth, collections of burnt 

 stones, aud articles found in the ground. Many minor distinctions may 

 be founded on these, but they are most frequent along lakes and streams, 

 es]iecially at fords and fishing- places. They range from single lodges 

 to considerable villages, and sometimes show indications of successive 

 occupation. Many yield articles not found within inclosures. 



The use of caches is well understood, but those of New York and 

 Canada are among the proofs of the agricultural pursuits of the early 

 inhabitants. Large quantities of corn are found in them, with occa- 

 sional remains of other vegetable productions. They are not peculiar 

 to this district. They appear to have been usually lined with bark. 



FISH WEIRS AND POUNDS. 



Very few bone fishhooks occur, but the bone harpoon or spear is 

 more common. Flat net sinkers are abundant in New York, but have 

 escaped notice in Canada. Stone fisli weirs yet remain in some Xew 

 York streams, though many have been destroyed. In the Vanderkemp 

 letters of 1792,' i)ublished by the Bufialo Historical Society, is an 

 account of a voyage down the Oneida river. 



'' We passed," says the writer, " sometimes, through our unexpert- 

 ness, large rifts with difficulty. It was said here was an ancient Indian 

 eel-weii', by which this natural obstruction in the bed of the river had 

 been increased." 



Another large one yet exists on the Seneca river, a dozen miles or 

 more from this. In low water it is partly visible, and what remains 

 was measured by the writer a few years since. Towards the north 

 bank it has been removed to allow the passage of large boats. Com- 

 mencing on the south shore, a stone wall runs down the stream at a 

 moderate angle with the bank for 210 feet; then uj) the river at a simi- 

 lar angle with the current for 3-10 feet ; then down stream 145 feet, 

 returning 160 feet. This point is about 100 feet from the north bank, 

 to which another may have extended. If 3.30 feet were added for this, 

 there would be a total length of 1,200 feet by 2 feet deep. There are 

 others on the same river, also well made of field stones of considerable 

 size. 



Fish pounds of stakes, although used in both Xew York and Canada, 

 have proved more perishable. The best known example is at " The 

 Narrows," Orillia, Canada, which was described at an early day, and 

 was once called " Hurdle lake." The stakes forming the pound were of 

 tamarac. 



I p. 85. 



